Portret van een man met snor en pet 1870 - 1900

Carl Thies' small photograph, *Portret van een man met snor en pet*, captures a man with a mustache and cap. The man's assured gaze and neatly styled mustache speak to the values of masculinity in his era. His choice of attire—the suit, tie, and decorative sash—suggests a man who is conscious of his public image, someone potentially involved in civic or social organizations. The cap adds a layer of intrigue, hinting perhaps at a profession or affiliation with a particular group. Photographs like these were not just personal keepsakes; they were tools for constructing and broadcasting identity. In a time when social mobility was on the rise, how one presented oneself visually became increasingly important. While this portrait might seem like a simple snapshot, it's a window into the subject's aspirations, as well as a reflection of the cultural norms of his time.